What Plants Do You Recommend To Plant In Place Of Knock-out Roses?

Question

My landscaper has just discovered my 5 knockout rose bushes have developed Rose Rosette. If I have them all removed and burned what other plants can I put in their place to give my garden some color? Someone suggested regular roses, but won’t they be susceptible to Rose Rosette disease if the soil still contains the culprit insect?

Answer 1

Research other types of plants (not roses): hydrangea paniculatas, abelias, dwarf butterfly bushes, Bluebeard, etc. The disease is not a soil borne pathogen. Certain mites are suspected of helping transfer the virus.